Understanding the Role of a Kitchen Designer

Kitchen Designers Are Not Just Decorators

If you think a kitchen designer’s job is scrolling Pinterest and choosing backsplash tile, you’re in for a very helpful surprise.

A real kitchen designer is a strategic partner in the preconstruction process. They take your vision, routines, and budget—and translate that into layouts, technical documents, and a product-ready design that contractors can actually build.

In short: they prevent problems before the project even begins.

What a Kitchen Designer Actually Does

Here’s what a professional kitchen designer may handle on your kitchen renovation project:

Layout & Workflow Planning

• Designs based on how you live, cook, and move in the space.

• Uses NKBA guidelines and real-world experience—not just guesswork.

  
  

Cabinet & Storage Detailing

• Plans cabinet sizes, pullouts, drawer inserts, and internal function.

• Helps avoid mistakes like blocked doors or wasted corner space.

  
  

Appliance & Material Coordination

• Ensures everything fits—physically, functionally, and visually.

• Avoids common headaches like incompatible fridge panels or oversized ranges.

  
  

Lighting & Electrical Strategy

• Coordinates outlet placement, task lighting, and overall lighting flow.

• Think pendants, under-cabinet lighting, and avoiding outlet overkill.

  
  

Preconstruction Documentation

• Prepares drawings, elevations, spec sheets, and selection lists.

• Keeps your builder, trades, and vendors aligned.

  
  

Trade & Contractor Collaboration

• Communicates with your contractor to clarify design intent.

• Helps ensure everything is built the way it was designed.

  
  

Designer vs. Contractor vs. Showroom Rep

There’s Flexibility—But Ask the Right Questions

Not all design services are the same.

Some showroom designers will help with layout. Some contractors offer design-build support. And many designers (myself included) outsource certain technical parts of the design work.

The key is consistency and clarity. For example: I regularly work with a drafting team, but I work with the same trusted people on a very consistent basis.

What matters is that you, as the homeowner, know what the design process is, what the expected deliverables are, and this...

How design is being held accountable to your budget. Because you don't want a designer creating a spectacular jaw-dropping kitchen that takes a $210K investment when your budget is $125K.

What matters most?

• What the design process is. (example--is this fully curated and are you given two or more collaborative options?)

• What deliverables are.

• When you will receive your deliverables.

• How are revisions handled.

  
  

Why Planning First Saves You Time + Money

Want to be the client every designer loves? Walk in prepared. Show your initial layout notes and photos of your space. Share your inspiration. Know your must-haves and non-negotiables.

I have had clients say to me, "Just show me whatever, all of your remodels look great!!" --Great compliment, but this is NOT the way to go. No direction on what to curate. Don't be this client.

That’s why I created the Five-Day Kitchen Remodel Playbook:

To help homeowners:

• Map their kitchen workflow

• Define must-haves + hard no’s

• Take real measurements

• Explore layout basics

• Prepare a design-ready folder

  
  

Designers move faster—and bill fewer hours—when you’re clear and organized. You don’t need to have it all figured out… that's what you are hiring a designer for. But showing up with a sense of direction helps.

Hiring a designer isn’t just about pretty renderings. It’s about decreasing risk on your project and ensuring your vision is created.

Whether you hire a designer for full-service or book a work session, make sure someone is truly owning the planning phase of your project.

Because if no one’s planning your remodel in detail—you’re gambling with your budget.

FAQ

How early in the remodel should I bring in a designer?

A: As soon as you're ready to seriously develop your project (stage 2 that you learned about in the Smart Start Remodel Guide).

A designer helps define your vision, prep your layout, and make key selections so your contractor can quote accurately and build without confusion.

That said, I always recommend bringing in a designer and contractor at the same time. Why? Because certain design choices—like downdraft vents or relocating load-bearing walls—can trigger major construction costs. If you're not checking feasibility early, you could end up with a plan that’s gorgeous on paper but wildly unrealistic to build.

Having a contractor review measurements, utilities, and buildability during the design phase ensures your project stays aligned with your budget and scope.

That’s why design and construction should work together—not in silos.

What if I already know what I want? Do I still need help?

A: Having a strong sense of style is a great start—but execution is everything.

A designer helps translate your ideas into a clear, buildable plan.

That includes dimensions, technical specs, and trade-ready drawings that ensure your vision gets built correctly.

From studying materials to reviewing construction drawings to breaking down quotes line by line—this is my lane. When you’re in the trenches with real projects, you start to see the patterns, the pitfalls, and the small decisions that make a big difference.

And while I love when a homeowner comes in prepared, it’s always clear who’s had professional guidance—and who’s just hoping for the best.

I saw I can put together my own construction drawings and take a course?

A: You can—but that doesn’t mean you should.

I’ve seen a rise in online courses encouraging homeowners to create their own construction drawings and kitchen layouts from scratch. And while I support learning and being informed, here’s the truth: this is how remodels go sideways.

Even if it’s your second or third kitchen, there are layers of technical decisions you won’t catch unless you’ve been in this field for years. And if it’s your first remodel? You’re almost guaranteed to make costly mistakes—on layout, workflow, clearances, appliance spacing, or material transitions.

That’s why professionals exist. We’re not here to upsell you. We’re here to help you avoid expensive rework, delays, and design regret. You wouldn’t frame your own roof just because you watched a YouTube video. You wouldn’t fabricate your own countertops.

So why would you try to design one of the most high-investment, high-traffic spaces in your home… without professional oversight?

It’s not just about making it look good. It’s about fit, flow, and function—and those details can make or break your daily experience for the next 10–20 years.

I’ve spent 25 years walking kitchens with homeowners who were handed “DIY” plans that completely missed critical build details. It took me 30 minutes to find problems that would have cost them thousands to fix.

By all means—do your research, sketch your ideas, collect your inspiration. But make sure someone who knows this inside and out is reviewing your plan before it hits demo day.

Because no, building your dream kitchen is not the same as building IKEA furniture.

Is hiring a kitchen designer expensive?

A: It depends on the level of support you need. Some offer flat-fee packages or hourly consults.

But here’s the truth: the cost of not hiring a designer often shows up as change orders, timeline delays, and materials you regret buying.

How do I know if someone is a real kitchen designer?

A: Ask to see previous full project plans—not just pretty photos. Look for someone who can talk about workflow, layout constraints, material specs, and contractor collaboration. Ask about their background and how they keep up with information from trade groups such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

A true kitchen designer knows more than just finishes—they understand function, and it definitely is a meeting of the minds with technical and creative.